I’m an interior design expert – 80s decor is back but here’s the colours to avoid
IF you’re thinking about giving your home a glow-up this year then you might want to take note.
Interior designers have revealed that vintage retro aesthetics is set to take our homes by storm in 2025.
Not only that, but they found that 80s living rooms are set to be the next big thing as more and more homeowners look to decorate their spaces with timeless classic designs from the popular decade.
So in a bid to help, Michael Rolland, interior expert and Managing Director at The Paint Shed, shared his top tips for DIYers to get the look in their own homes.
He revealed the best colour combinations, shades and design choices for those who want to bring this 80s vision to life.
But Michael warns that there is a key colour that homeowners should avoid if they want to create an authentic 80s vibe.
1. Yellows are your best friend — but avoid ‘banana’
Yellow is often attributed to 80s interiors, so adding the bright summer colour is an easy way to jump back a few decades.
However, Michael says that bold, brash banana shades are the kind of yellow that shouldn’t make a comeback in 2025.
He says: “80s interiors are often attributed with yellow shades, and luckily there are some beautiful, vintage-feel shades on the market.
“However, instead of bright, brash banana shades, which can often feel a little gimmicky, try out cooler-toned yellows or yellows with a brown or orange undertone.
“Shades that come to mind are Farrow and Ball’s ‘Farrow’s Cream’ and Little Greene’s ‘Linen Wash’.
“These create a perfect, more neutral base to complement other bold tones used in furniture and accent pieces.”
2. Explore orange
Another colour that homeowners should embrace is orange.
Not only is it a recurring colour theme in both original ’80s interiors and 80s-inspired homes, but it is also set to be a popular choice for 2025.
It’s the perfect colour to incorporate into the living room because it evokes feelings of warmth, happiness, and energy, creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
It’s also a versatile colour that can be used in various styles, from bright and cheerful to more muted and earthy.
Michael explains: “Pops of orange can enhance the retro feel.
“Use this as an opportunity to be creative.
“Instead of buying new accent pieces, consider painting the ones you already have.
“Try a quality furniture paint like Benjamin Moore’s Scuff X on a lifeless coffee table, for example.
“Once drenched in orange shade, it will fit right into its new role as an 80s capsule.”
The 8 interiors trends that will become outdated in 2025
EXPERTS have told how the future of interiors is all about timelessness and sustainability - this is because 2025 is focusing on creating spaces that are both stunning and practical.
Interior design expert Zara O’Hare from Land of Rugs has said several popular trends are on their way out this year to make space for fresher, more sustainable options.
- The all-white look – “People are now turning to richer, warmer colour schemes, especially with the rise of mid-century modern designs.”
- Shiny brass & light wood – “The trend of light woods like oak is giving way to deeper, neutral tones like walnut and cherry, which offer a more sophisticated feel”.
- Industrial kitchens & open spaces – “The style can feel cold and impersonal, which makes it hard to sustain in the long run.”
- The fast furniture era – “Consumers are now more thoughtful about where they source their furniture, focusing on quality materials and sustainability over quick, throwaway designs.”
- Open shelving woes – “We’ll definitely see a return to closed cabinets as people seek more storage solutions that are easy to maintain.”
- Bouclé fabric – “This material, while popular for a time, isn’t as versatile as other fabrics. It tends to come in neutral shades, which makes it feel a bit one-dimensional.”
- Overdecorating (especially with personal photos) – “While it’s important to make a home your own, this trend is becoming a bit too much for many, as it clashes with the move toward more minimalist, timeless aesthetics.”
- The overuse of neon and bright colours – “The appeal of neon is fading as people move toward more muted tones like deep blues, rich greens, and terracotta.”
3. Embrace wood panelling
It’s not just bold colours that were popular in the 80s – bold design choices were also common in most homes.
And Michael explains that wooden panelling can be a great design choice to enhance the vintage feel of a home.
He said: “When I think of an 80s living room, I picture wooden features — shiny wood panelling on walls, long TV sets, you name it.
“So, it’s important to incorporate these wood elements into your space.
“Waxy wood panelling is a great option.
“I’d personally recommend keeping it as an accent wall feature while maintaining a cohesive colour scheme throughout the house.
“Exploring bold architectural designs like these can add an exciting ‘blast from the past’ complexity to a modern home.”